The film premiered in the Gala Presentation section of the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival and was released theatrically on 6 September 2013.[4] It received positive reviews from critics, who praised the performances of the lead cast and the film's treatment of unconventional themes. Made on a budget of ₹22 crore (US$2.7 million), it earned approximately ₹76 crore (US$9.1 million) worldwide during its theatrical run and was declared a hit by Box Office India.[5]
Raghu Ram, a tourist guide in Jaipur, supplements his income by working as a rented baraati for Goyal, a local wedding planner. Nervous about his impending arranged marriage, Raghu travels to the venue accompanied by a hired wedding procession, which includes Gayatri, a spirited and independent woman. During the journey, Raghu and Gayatri share a spontaneous kiss, prompting Raghu to flee his wedding before the ceremony.
Weeks later, Raghu and Gayatri reconnect, begin dating, and eventually start living together. Due to societal stigma around live-in relationships in small-town India, they pretend to be siblings to avoid suspicion. Their relationship faces interference from a nosy neighbor, but they overcome the misunderstanding and decide to get married. However, on the day of the wedding, Gayatri abandons Raghu, leaving him heartbroken.
Later, Raghu reconnects with Tara, the woman he was originally supposed to marry. They begin spending time together, and Raghu plans to propose. However, at a wedding they attend, he unexpectedly reunites with Gayatri. Assigned to pick up the wedding priest together, they share a tense car ride during which Gayatri attempts to reconcile. That evening, Tara and Gayatri meet at dinner, where Tara reveals she has invited Gayatri. When Tara discovers Raghu and Gayatri embracing, she quietly exits, realizing she no longer harbors feelings for him.
Encouraged by Goyal, Raghu and Gayatri decide to marry once more. On their wedding night, however, they both attempt to escape. Encountering each other at the gate, they realize that while they love each other, they are not ready for marriage. The film ends with the couple resuming their live-in relationship on mutual terms.
The screenplay for Shuddh Desi Romance was written by Jaideep Sahni, known for his work on films such as Company (2002), Bunty Aur Babli (2005), Khosla Ka Ghosla (2006) and Chak De! India (2007). Set in Jaipur, Rajasthan, the film aimed to contrast traditional values with emerging modern perspectives in smaller Indian cities. The location was chosen to highlight how conservative social norms coexist with evolving attitudes toward love, relationships, and marriage in semi-urban India.[6]
Filming
Principal photography took place largely in and around Jaipur. The song "Shuddh Desi Romance" was filmed at Mehrangarh Fort and in the streets and palaces of Jodhpur, Rajasthan.[7] Choreography for the musical sequences was handled by Ganesh Acharya.[8]
The film's soundtrack was composed by Sachin–Jigar, with lyrics written by Jaideep Sahni. Released on 19 August 2013 by YRF Music, the album features four vocal tracks alongside several instrumental pieces. The music is noted for its incorporation of Rajasthani folk elements blended with bossa nova and techno influences.
Yash Raj Films began promotions for Shuddh Desi Romance with the unveiling of its poster and digital motion poster on 17 June 2013.[9] The theatrical trailer was launched at Jaipur's Raj Mandir Cinema to reflect the film's setting and themes.[10] On 1 August 2013, the song "Gulabi" was launched at a media event, where Sushant Singh Rajput formally introduced debutante Vaani Kapoor.[11] The title track "Shuddh Desi Romance" was released on 18 August 2013.[12]
Shuddh Desi Romance was released on 6 September 2013. It was mainly a multiplex release on approximately 1100 screens.[14] A teaser trailer of Dhoom 3 was attached to the prints.[15] It has an investment of ₹250 million (US$3.0million) including marketing and release costs.[1][2][16]
Reception
Box office
In India, Shuddh Desi Romance opened to strong numbers, grossing ₹295 million (US$3.5 million) in its first five days.[17] It netted ₹362.7 million by the end of its first week.[1][18] The second weekend saw a drop, with a ten-day total of ₹420 million.[19] The film earned ₹85.8 million in its second week, bringing the two-week total to ₹450 million.[20][21] By the end of its third week, the film's domestic net total stood at approximately ₹463 million (US$5.5 million).[1]
Internationally, the film earned US$1.08 million (₹70.4 million) during its opening weekend.[22][23] It collected US$1.7 million in its first ten days and surpassed US$2 million by the end of its third week.[24][25][26]
In India, Taran Adarsh of Bollywood Hungama rated the film 3.5 out of 5 and noted that it "caters to and reflects the mindset of a lot of youth in modern society."[27]Rajeev Masand of CNN-IBN also gave 3.5 stars, writing that it "reinvents the wheel as far as Bollywood rom-coms go" and praising its non-formulaic characters.[28]DNA's Tushar Joshi described it as "refreshing, breezy, and engaging."[29] Mohar Basu of Koimoi gave it 3.5 stars, calling it "a heartfelt, true take on real contemporary relationships."[30]Sukanya Verma of Rediff.com echoed that sentiment and praised its pacing.[31]
Khalid Mohamed of Deccan Chronicle rated it 3 stars, complimenting Chopra's performance and the film’s first half.[32]Anupama Chopra of Hindustan Times awarded 4 stars, stating it "is a dose of adrenaline," though she noted it loses steam in the second half.[33]The Times of India gave it 3 stars, calling it "engaging" but critiquing the plot as "confused."[34] Rachit Gupta of Filmfare called the film "crazy, witty, and soulful."[35]
Not all reviews were entirely favorable. Reshma Sengar of Zee News gave it 2.5 stars, stating it was vibrant but "a onetime watch."[36]
Overseas, Mohammad Kamran Jawaid of Dawn praised the film's innovation and technical aspects but critiqued its portrayal of relationships as lacking alignment with South Asian family values.[37]
↑ "Archived copy". www.boxofficeindia.com. Archived from the original on 16 September 2013. Retrieved 15 January 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
↑ "Archived copy". www.boxofficeindia.com. Archived from the original on 19 September 2013. Retrieved 15 January 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
↑ "Archived copy". www.boxofficeindia.com. Archived from the original on 26 September 2013. Retrieved 15 January 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
↑ "Archived copy". www.boxofficeindia.com. Archived from the original on 23 September 2013. Retrieved 15 January 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
↑ "Archived copy". boxofficeindia.com. Archived from the original on 23 September 2013. Retrieved 15 January 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
↑ "Archived copy". www.boxofficeindia.com. Archived from the original on 6 October 2013. Retrieved 15 January 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
↑ "Archived copy". www.boxofficeindia.com. Archived from the original on 2 November 2013. Retrieved 15 January 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
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